International name: Formalin, Formol

Synonyms: formol, methanal, formic aldehyde

Chemical formula: CH2O • H2O • CH3OH

Appearance: clear, colorless liquid with a pungent odor

Manufacturer: Ukraine

Packing and storage: eurocube, b / c barrel, canister; 3 month

Description

Formalin is an aqueous solution of formaldehyde (methanal) stabilized with methanol. Formalin is an antiseptic, disinfectant, astringent, deodorant and cauterizing agent; causes clotting and fixation of proteins. It is widely used in medicine as a disinfectant and medicinal product for washing the skin of the hands, legs and armpits with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and bromidrosis (an unpleasant smell of sweat), for douching, for crypt tonsils washing, for disinfection of medical instruments and care products patients, etc. Since formalin prevents decomposition, it is used as an embalming agent for long-term storage of biological preparations. Its use as a food conservative is prohibited.
Widely used in the paper industry to improve the strength and quality of paper; in leather - for tanning the skin; in textile - to increase the resistance of products to creasing and shrinkage; in agriculture - for the treatment of seeds and root crops, disinfection of soil and livestock buildings; and also for tanning gelatin in the production of film.
Formalin is used in the production of: synthetic resins, synthetic rubber, surfactants, polyhydric alcohols, formulas and other methylene derivatives.

Properties

Formalin is a water-methanol solution of formaldehyde; colorless transparent liquid. Composition (medium): water 52%, formaldehyde 40%, methyl alcohol 8%. Formalin is able to coagulate protein, so it is used for tanning gelatin in the production of film, for preserving biological materials. Prevents decomposition and promotes long-term storage of organic substances, it is used in embalming. It is used in the production of synthetic resins, synthetic rubber, surfactants, polyhydric alcohols, forms and other methylene derivatives. It is widely used to improve the quality of textiles by creasing and shrinkage. In agriculture it is used for processing seeds and root crops, disinfection of soil and premises. In medicine it is a common disinfectant. Technical formalin is stored in heated containers of stainless steel, aluminum, polyethylene, steel, but with an anticorrosive coating

Receiving

The main method for obtaining formaldehyde is the oxidation of methanol: 2CH3OH + O2 → 2HCHO + 2H2O. Oxidation of methanol in formaldehyde is carried out using a silver catalyst at 650 ° C and atmospheric pressure. This is a well-mastered technological process, and 80% of formaldehyde is obtained precisely by this method.

Application

It is used in the production of synthetic resins, synthetic rubber, surfactants, polyhydric alcohols, forms and other methylene derivatives.
Widely used is:

• in the paper industry to improve the strength and quality of paper; in leather - for tanning the skin;
• in textile - to increase the resistance of products to creasing and shrinkage;
• in agriculture - for the treatment of seeds and root crops, disinfection of soil and livestock buildings;
• in medicine - as a disinfectant.

Formalin coagulates proteins and prevents their decomposition. Therefore, it is used for tanning gelatin in the production of film, for the preservation of anatomical and zoological moist preparations, is used in embalming, as a fixator in microscopy, and also as an antiseptic.

Safety requirements

Technical formalin is a combustible liquid, its vapors with air and oxygen form explosive mixtures. The fire hazard and toxicity of formalin, including fire toxicity, are determined by the presence of formaldehyde and methanol in it. The temperature limits of ignition of technical formalin are 62-80 ° C.
When working with technical formalin, personal protective equipment is used in accordance with industry standards. The working premises should be equipped with forced-air and exhaust ventilation. Production processes must be mechanized. Direct contact of workers with formalin should be excluded.